Fathers working flexibly in private sector less stressed

New research from Working Families and Lancaster University Management School has suggested that fathers working flexibly in the private sector have better physical and psychological health, are less stressed and more committed to their employer.        

Fathers working flexibly in the public sector were found to be less troubled by their work–life balance and sense of overload but less likely to report higher levels of wellbeing and commitment. Working Families suggests this could be due to current stresses and job insecurity in the sector.

Dr Caroline Gatrell, lead researcher from Lancaster University, said:

“Our results show that flexible working makes a positive difference to the lives of working fathers, which benefits both fathers and employers. Fathers who work flexibly have better health, better relationships with colleagues and feel more in control of their work–life balance, especially if they are on low incomes.

“In the private sector, there is a clear link between flexible working and enhanced employee engagement.  However, flexible working is not a magic solution and (as can be seen among our public sector fathers) it cannot altogether cancel out the effects of anxiety in difficult times, such as recession. So it’s important for managers right down the line to be well informed and supportive of the flexible working policies on offer, making sure that fathers can access these in practice, as well as in theory.”

Sarah Jackson, Working Families Chief Executive, said: 

“Our research shows that flexible working is good for fathers, good for families and good for business.  It’s clear that the more fathers are involved with family life, the happier they are, so we welcome Government proposals to increase parental leave for fathers and to extend the right to request flexible working to all employees. However, we would urge them not to forget low income fathers, who currently can’t afford to take paternity leave and who – our research shows – particularly benefit from opportunities to work flexibly.”

Business groups last week questioned the Government’s commitment to cutting red tape, following the announcement of its Modern Workplaces consultation.

The consultation includes plans to introduce a new system of flexible parental leave from 2015, extend the right to request flexible working to all, and force companies found guilty of gender pay discrimination to undergo compulsory gender pay audits.